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Tax aspects of opening a business hub in Asia
Tax aspects of opening a business hub in Asia
The Asian Development Bank has forecast that developing Asia’s growth is forecast to rebound to 7.3% in 2021 and 5.3% in 2022. This compares to 4.2% and 4.4% respectively for Europe (see here) and 6.9% and 3.6% for the US (see here). Businesses already with a footprint in the Asian region will be gearing up their operations to deal with the region’s expected growth, while those looking to establish themselves will be considering the most appropriate locations.
There will be a range of factors to consider in how to expand in the Asian region, whether from an existing base or a new base. In addition to the various business and regulatory challenges, one of the areas to consider will be tax. Larger businesses will be familiar with considering transfer pricing and country by country reporting issues (see our summaries for the Asia Pacific region here).
We have offices in a range of Asian jurisdictions as noted in the table below. Our Singapore team has produced an article considering the tax issues associated with those considering Singapore as a location and for a possible acquisition (see here).
For further information on our global tax practice, please see here.
Navigating Japanese transfer pricing reforms
In response to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revisions to transfer pricing of financial transactions, the Japanese transfer pricing administrative guidelines have been reformed in Japan effective 1 April 2023. The latest revisions clarify the application of transfer pricing to financial transactions and give more precise guidance on intercompany transactions related to […]
Tax transparency on allocation of group profits in the light of Public CbCR
Taxation has a key role for medium and large multinational companies in the process of developing a sustainable business model. Disclosure of complex tax information and transparency on profit allocation to group entities is key to this transformation process and will become a reality with new reporting standards and EU disclosure obligations. The Global Reporting […]
Don’t let Australian employment dream become employer’s nightmare
Since COVID-19, there has been a significant increase in demand for employees to work remotely from Australia for foreign employers. Such a relocation is often solely for the convenience of the employee to fulfil a dream of working in Australia or to return home. If you have an employee wishing to work remotely from Australia, you […]
Occasional and temporary provision and notification of services in Luxembourg
Companies established in a country of the European Union may undertake occasional and temporary activities in Luxembourg. Though such activities do not constitute a permanent establishment in Luxembourg, there are still certain formalities that need to be complied with such as: The notification of services is valid for 12 months and can be renewed […]
New OECD guidance on Amount B (BEPS 2.0) – where are we?
On 19th February, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting published its report on Amount B under Pillar 1, which intends to provide a simplified and streamlined approach to transfer pricing compliance for entities engaged in baseline marketing and distribution activities. This presents the opportunity for a simplified route for companies in […]
Beta Healthcare International Limited vs. Commissioner of Tribunal – A Battle Of Transfer Pricing Methods
On 9 February 2024, the Tribunal issued a ruling in the case KETAT 143 (KLR) between the appellant Beta Healthcare International Limited (Beta Kenya) and the respondent the Commissioner of Legal Services and Board Coordination (KRA). The matter in dispute was the appropriate transfer pricing method to apply to intragroup sales, with the KRA arguing […]
Tax control frameworks: an international perspective
Tax control frameworks (TCFs) are increasingly seen as an essential tax management and compliance tool for businesses of all sizes. Around the world, tax authorities are taking a stricter approach to taxation matters. At the same time, organisations like the OECD and the EU are introducing new guidelines and regulations to strengthen corporate compliance, including […]
VAT and transfer pricing adjustments: the worst of both worlds?
In due course, the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) may shed some light on the VAT intricacies of transfer pricing (TP) adjustments. In Arcomet, the Bucharest Court of Appeals asked the ECJ whether the amounts included in yearly equalisation invoices to ensure arm’s length pricing within a group constitute payment for VAT relevant services. Should […]
What effect do the Pillar 1 Amount B developments have on Transfer Pricing?
For more information on the topic join our webinar on 17th of September. One of the most debated topics in the international tax arena is Pillar 2, the global minimum corporate tax. Alongside this, work on Pillar 1 continues at full speed under the initiative of the OECD. In this article, we aim to provide […]
The FIG regime: changes to the taxation of non-domiciled individuals in the UK
What is the issue? From 6 April 2025, the remittance basis of taxation for UK resident non-domiciled individuals will be abolished and will be replaced by a simplified Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime. There will also be changes to the way inheritance tax operates, so that it will be based on a test of residence […]
The current transfer pricing environment in the banking and asset management sector, and the importance of regular review
The financial services sector remains firmly in the spotlight of global tax authorities and prudential regulators. Whether it is HMRC in the UK or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the US, understanding how money moves between regulated entities and overseas affiliates is a hot topic. In this respect, regular reviews of how arrangements are […]
Italy – Extension of participation exemption (PEX) regime to non-resident (EU/EEA) companies/entities
The Italian Budget Law (Law issued on 30.12.2023, No. 213 – “Legge di Bilancio 2024”) established that Italian-source capital gains realised on disposal by EU or EEA resident entities without an Italian PE, where the disposal is of a substantial participation in an Italian company meeting certain conditions, will benefit from the participation exemption (PEX) […]
How much do you really know about your Pillar 2 disclosure obligations?
With jurisdictions still in the process of enacting local tax law to introduce Pillar 2 Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules, groups in scope of the new regulations could be forgiven for taking a watch-and-wait approach. However, a general lack of awareness of how the rules impact entities is also hindering much-needed communication between the C-suite, […]
Moving to Mexico: global mobility tax considerations
Since 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico has become an attractive location for certain foreigners to work remotely. However, employers have to consider numerous tax and immigration factors for their employees working remotely from Mexico. According to Mexican legislation, an expatriate is a person who is legally authorised to carry out a […]
Expert tax relief in Sweden to be more advantageous
The Government of Sweden has submitted a bill extending the period for granting expert tax relief from five to seven years. If the Government bill is approved by Parliament, the extension will be in effect for eligible employees commencing work on 1 April 2023 or later. This article explains how the tax relief works and […]
Navigating the tax implications of remote work in Canada
As the working environment adapts to offer more flexibility with remote working options, understanding the tax nuances of cross-border remote working is becoming increasingly crucial. More than ever, employers are offering their teams the opportunity to work abroad for limited periods each year. Whether you’re a non-resident considering remote work in Canada, or an employer […]
Significant changes to Dutch expat facility
On 19 September 2023, Dutch Parliament voted for several amendments to the 30%-ruling (exempting 30% of the pay of a foreign employee working in the Netherlands) from 1 January 2024. Upon the likely enactment, this will have an impact on the tax position of existing and future expats working in the Netherlands, reducing or limiting […]
Romania prepares to enact Pillar 2 Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules
Initiated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) the Pillar 2 GloBE rules aim to stop tax competition between countries and to limit the shifting of profits to low-tax jurisdictions. As a result, large multinational groups (MNEs) with global annual revenue exceeding €750m will need to pay a minimum 15% tax on income […]
Transfer pricing legislation in the Republic of Moldova
For the first time, the Republic of Moldova has introduced the Tax Code provisions on transfer pricing and the arm’s length principle. These measures are expected to apply from 1 January 2024, with an aim to bring local legislation closer to both the EU law and the recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and […]
ESG and financial transactions from a transfer pricing perspective
In 2021, the European Central Bank (ECB) published its final guide on climate-related and environmental risks for banks. It aimed at enhancing the industry’s awareness and preparedness for managing climate-related and environmental risks. The risks mentioned are commonly related to two main types: physical risk and transition risk. They have an impact on both economic […]
ESG from Transfer Pricing Perspective
This article analyses the impact of ESG on MNE tax management with a special focus on transfer pricing and business restructuring. Tax Management and ESG As stated by the UN, environmental social and corporate governance (ESG) is not only an issue that concerns individuals but also a strategic priority of multinational enterprises (MNEs), investors and […]
Protecting reputation and managing communication on tax matters for ESG ratings and Pillar 2 disclosures
Over the last decade, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU) have made significant developments regarding tax transparency regimes and the exchange of information between tax authorities. However, these developments are being taken further in the drive for increased transparency and public availability of such information, particularly in relation […]
What is the future of taxation in Europe: questioning the usefulness of all anti-avoidance measures
Pillar 2, which is the Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules (GloBE) minimum tax project, and the BEFIT initiatives are considered likely to reduce some tax planning opportunities respectively at worldwide and EU levels, and thus reduce the need to address them through anti-avoidance rules. Therefore, it may be reasonable to consider whether all these anti-avoidance rules […]
What is the future of taxation in Europe: impact on multinational enterprises
Initiatives mentioned in the previous article already affect and will further affect multinational companies in a significant way. The first step for multinational companies to consider is how to build stakeholders’ understanding of the impact these changes in domestic legislation will have on the business. In the case of Pillar 2, for example, this means […]
What is the future of taxation in Europe: state of play for ongoing initiatives
The international tax landscape has undergone major changes over the past few years which is set to have a significant impact on the overall tax architecture. At both international and European Union (EU) levels, several initiatives have been pursued aimed at aligning tax collection with the location of economic activity and achieve a minimum level […]
The impact of rising interest rates on transfer pricing
With rising inflation and multiple key interest rate increases, multinational enterprises should consider reviewing the prices of their intercompany financing transactions, which may no longer align with the arm’s length principle. The quick rise in interest rates may have created significant divergence between the prices applied by a multinational enterprise on its intercompany financing transactions […]
Where is the UK Diverted Profits Tax and the Profit Diversion Compliance Facility now?
On 7 February 2023, the UK tax authority HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) released its Transfer Pricing and Diverted Profits tax statistics for the 2021 – 2022 tax year. The statistics clearly demonstrate that both transfer pricing and Diverted Profits Tax (DPT) continue to yield significant income for HMRC and that these areas are likely […]
French landmark decision on the “beneficial owner” concept for tax treaty purposes
A landmark decision on beneficial ownership could significantly impact the French tax authorities’ approach to tax audits concerning royalties. In its decision on French company Sté Planet dated 20 May 2022, the French Administrative Supreme Court (Conseil d’État) ruled for the first time that when French-sourced royalties are paid to a foreign person who is […]
Can Turkey make progress on transfer pricing audits?
National differences and approaches to transfer pricing are evident all over the world. In particular, tax jurisdictions in developed countries have now taken quite advanced steps in approaching complex transfer pricing situations from a technical debate perspective. Whereas in some countries, including Turkey, the concept of transfer pricing could be more advanced. Although Turkey has […]
Latest development of APA in China – simplified procedures of unilateral APA
Background The State Administration of Taxation (“STA”) has made a continuous effort to promote Advanced Pricing Arrangement (“APA”). On 26 July 2021, the STA issued STA Public Notice [2021] No.241 (“Bulletin 24”), which sets forth simplified procedures for unilateral APA for enterprises that meet certain conditions. On 29 October 2021, it also published the China […]
Spanish Supreme Court allows tax benefit to company directors
A Spanish Supreme Court Ruling on 20 June 2022 effectively reverses the decision by the Spanish tax authorities to remove the tax exemption for company directors for works carried out abroad(1). In its ruling, the Supreme Court considers that directors and board members can apply the exemption, provided that requirements set out in Article 7.p) […]
New CEE tax guide outlines fundamental changes and long-term trends
Providing information on taxation in 22 Central and Eastern European (CEE) states, the latest Mazars CEE tax guide analyses long-term taxation trends and fundamental tax regime changes in each country, both now and in previous years.
The Google tax: The UK story, 7 years later
The Diverted Profits Tax (DPT), or what the media have dubbed the Google tax, was introduced in 2015 to dissuade and counteract contrived arrangements used by large multinational groups that divert profits from the UK and erode the UK tax base.
The impact of digital assets and cryptocurrencies decentralised finance on taxation in various jurisdictions
Digital assets and cryptocurrencies continue to evolve by offering new services and products such as Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”), but is tax legislation also keeping up to date with the ever-changing world of digital assets and cryptocurrencies?
New Transfer Pricing Bill Passed in Israel
Transfer Pricing Bill in Israel passes third reading in June 2022 and is approved. What are the implications for businesses in Israel? In June 2022, the new transfer pricing bill was approved. This is another step towards the Israel Tax Authorities (ITA) efforts to streamline the ITA’s supervision and control of transfer pricing relating to […]
Questions raised on Italy’s penalty protection regime
Following Italy’s new transfer pricing (TP) requirements1 introduced on 23 November 2020, there has been much discussion as to whether the taxpayer may benefit from penalty protection that also covers additional withholding tax otherwise due when the Italian tax authorities (ITA) perform adjustments that recharacterise the nature of a transaction. A Circular2 letter was then […]
Are you ready for the GloBE tax challenges?
On 14 March 2022, the OECD published a comprehensive commentary and illustrative examples of how implementing the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (GloBE rules) could look. In this blog, we discuss the GloBE rules and examine how the rules apply and filing requirements. On 20 December 2021, the OECD published model rules that member countries […]
India: Most Favoured Nation Clause causes controversy
India has signed double tax avoidance agreement (DTAA) treaties with several countries and entered into a protocol, inter-alia, containing the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause with 13 countries including France, Belgium, Spain, Sweden Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The MFN clause usually states that if, after date of entry into force of the tax treaty between […]
French landmark decision on foreign tax credit imputation for capital gains on shareholdings: an extension to dividends?
In a decision “Air Liquide” dated 15 November 2021, the French Administrative Supreme Court (Conseil d’Etat) ruled for the first time that French resident companies realising capital gains upon the alienation of eligible participation (titres de participation – generally presumed for a 5% interest held for a minimum two-year period) in a foreign company are […]
The proposed new EU “Unshell” directive
On 22 December 2021, the European Commission published a number of Directives impacting a wide variety of corporate structures and taxpayers. One of these Directives is “laying down rules to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes and amending Directive 2011/16/EU’’, commonly referred to as ATAD3 or the Unshell Directive (see here) (hereinafter […]
Corporate income tax changes in Poland for 2022
As of January 1, 2022, significant changes concerning the Polish tax system called the Polish New Deal came into force. These amendments also include Corporate Income Tax (CIT). Changes in withholding tax The major changes concern: Implementation of pay and refund mechanism (mechanism introduced in 2019 and suspended until the end of 2021) as the basic mechanism of […]
Turkey issued the first legislation in relation to the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP)
With Law No. 7338 on Turkish Tax Procedure Law (TPL) and Amending Certain Laws (“Law No. 7338”) published in the Official Gazette dated October 26, 2021, a domestic regulation was made for the first time regarding the mutual agreement procedure (MAP) in Turkey. The Turkish Revenue Administration (TRA) aims to eliminate uncertainties regarding the application […]
What to expect from South Africa’s advance pricing agreement programme
A proposed model for establishing an advance pricing agreement (“APA”) programme in South Africa (“SA”) was issued by the South African Revenue Authority (“SARS”) during December 2021. This article highlights some notable aspects of this proposed programme, by comparing it to those of other jurisdictions. An APA is an agreement between a taxpayer and a […]
Takeaways from the latest edition of the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines
On 20 January 2022, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released the 2022 edition of the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations (OECD TPG). This blog provides a summary of the revised Chapters of the OECD TPG, and highlights what tax advisors and taxpayers need to know. The revised […]
Transfer pricing: is Africa ready for advance pricing agreements?
Advance pricing agreements (“APAs”) could provide taxpayers and revenue authorities with some certainty during the unprecedented times that we are living in. The African APA landscape is however underdeveloped, but some recent developments in South Africa (“SA”) indicate that this may be changing. On 18 December 2020, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and […]
New tax rules in Luxembourg impacting cross-border workers and PEPPs
Guidelines on the taxation of cross-border workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and an update on PEPP as defined in the latest budget laws in Luxembourg.
New transfer pricing requirements in Italy
On 26 November 2021, the Italian tax authorities (“ITA”) issued the final version of Circular Letter no.15/E (the “Circular”), providing clarification on the new transfer pricing requirements introduced by Measure no. 360494 (“New Measure”) on 23 November 2020. This article analyses the most important amendments to the transfer pricing documentation rules in Italy, and what […]
Nigeria’s simplified compliance regime for non-resident suppliers
Many tax jurisdictions encounter difficulties exercising their tax legislation against taxpayers who do not reside in their jurisdictions. The adoption of a simplified registration and collection mechanism is one of the approaches suggested by the OECD to address these difficulties. The simplified compliance regime is more appropriate for business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions as most B2C customers […]
MNEs subject to 15% minimum tax rate from 2023: main OECD provisions and EU implementation proposals now available
The OECD two-pillar approach In October 2021, the OECD’s 137 Inclusive Framework members agreed to adopt a two-pillar approach to address the tax challenges of the digital economy. Pillar I provides for new profit allocation and nexus rules for MNEs with a turnover greater than EUR 20 billion and profit before tax margins of 10% […]
Changes to Belgian special tax status expected in 2022
The Belgian government has approved a draft bill in which changes for the new Belgian special tax status for foreign executives and specialists are embedded. The limited duration of the tax benefits, the minimal remuneration threshold, and the ‘30%-rule’ are the most profound changes. The changes will be effective from January 1, 2022. As a […]
Greece’s beneficial tax regime for foreign residents
In December 2020, Greece introduced tax incentives to attract foreign tax residents. Specifically, the provisions of Article 5C of the Greek Income Tax Code (ITC), which came into force on 1 January 2021, stipulate that foreign employees or foreign freelancers becoming Greek tax residents can enjoy a 50% tax exemption from income derived in Greece […]
Improved tax flexibility for Belgian / Luxembourg cross-border workers
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many Belgian tax residents working in Luxembourg were no longer able to travel since remote working/home working was recommended or mandatory, based on governmental rules. As such, ‘the 24-day rule’ (whereby taxation of days working in Belgium are treated as fully taxable in Luxembourg and not in Belgium, provided the […]
Impact of the UK’s new Health and Social Care Levy Bill on expatriates
In response to the unprecedented spending on public services during the recent pandemic, the UK government has introduced a 1.25% health and social care levy applicable to every person liable to National Insurance Contributions (NIC), including self-employed individuals and internationally mobile employees (IMEs). Where employees are concerned, employers will also be required to pay the […]
BEPS 2.0: The future impact on businesses in Singapore
Rapid digitalisation and globalisation have led to significant changes in business operations. The digital economy has also uncovered vulnerabilities in the basic rules that have governed global taxation in the past, creating opportunities for profits to be “shifted” to lower-taxed jurisdictions, and sparking debates surrounding a ‘fair’ allocation of taxing rights. Against this backdrop, the […]
South African approach to BEPS and transfer pricing in light of Covid-19
The South African (“SA”) tax regime is being strengthened by the implementation of base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) action 4, relating to the limitation of interest deductions, but extra borrowings by businesses to deal with Covid-19 has caused the Government to defer its introduction. This article highlights some aspects relating to the implementation of […]
The Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive II: Will other jurisdictions follow the UK’s lead?
ATAD II is the EU translation of BEPS Action 2, the part which is focused on the ability of taxpayers to design situations of double non-taxation or heavily reduced taxation by exploiting hybrid mismatches. They apply to mismatches between the EU Member States, the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and third countries. This legislation has […]
Tax updates in the context of the digital economy
Key milestones are being reached in the digital economy in 2021. In this post, we review the most recent legislation and provide insight on how to keep up with the tax aspects of this fast-developing topic. Digital commerce is increasing globally as the world becomes ever-more interconnected. More and more companies are exclusively active in […]
Key transfer pricing considerations for startups
Startups and entrepreneurship are concepts that have recently grown more important globally. To put it simply, startups are entrepreneurial companies that are generally established to offer solutions to any problem and exhibit rapid growth potential. In many countries, the importance of technology-oriented startup business models is gradually increasing, and a rising number of “unicorns”[1] are […]
Is the new two-pillar solution to address tax challenges suitable for African countries?
This new solution is expected to reallocate more than $100bn of profit annually to market jurisdictions. However, this raises the question, to what extent emerging economies, and more specifically, African countries, will be entitled to levy taxes on profits generated by multinational enterprises from their markets? This source and others are sorely needed by these […]
Recent Tribunal ruling on the taxation of ESOPs (Employee Stock Option Plans) in India
In accordance with OECD guidelines, the taxability of ESOP in India depends on where employment is exercised and the period of service for which ESOP has been granted.
Tax issues arising from corporate amalgamations in Hong Kong
In June 2021 Hong Kong finalised legislation codifying the Inland Revenue Department’s tax assessment practice relating to corporate amalgamations. For qualifying companies, it is possible to elect (within one month of the amalgamation) for special tax treatment for pre-amalgamation losses, succession to business assets, amongst other areas. While the new legislation provides greater certainty on […]
Switzerland is an attractive business hub. What is their secret?
Choosing a business location involves many considerations, with tax being only one of them. Nevertheless, tax is a consideration. Below is a note commenting on the attractions of Switzerland as a business location. There may of course be other locations that should be considered. Switzerland attracts global business, research, and innovation, and maintains the high ground […]
Agreement on OECD pillar 1 and 2 proposals (as refined by the US initiative)
As of 13 July, 132 of 139 jurisdictions (including Bermuda, Cayman Islands, BVI, Switzerland, and the Bahamas) agreed to the OECD Pillar 1 and 2 proposals as refined by the US initiative. The seven that did not were: Ireland, Estonia, Hungary, Barbados, Kenya, Nigeria, Sri Lanka. The OECD press release can be found here and […]
Migrants and refugees have employment rights and obligations in Uruguay
As Covid restrictions begin to lift there will inevitably be increased movement of workers across borders. This brings back into focus a range of global mobility and tax considerations for businesses and individuals. Examples include work permits, visas, payroll and social security amongst other issues. Below is a snapshot of some pints concerning Uruguay to […]
Challenges of global mobility – focus on Mauritius
Global mobility is a significant advantage in a world where all countries are connected by monetary flow, means of transports and digital communication. A comprehensive global mobility strategy takes time, teamwork, and careful thought. The main challenges faced when designing a global mobility program are payroll, tax issues and laws, and compensation among others. It […]
Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) – Is this tax vehicle a blank check?
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Why is a SPAC considered a ‘high flying’ concept and what tax issues need to be considered to reap the benefits and avoid the pitfalls of a SPAC transaction? In this article, we provide a brief overview of SPACs, the particular tax issues relevant to the US […]
The latest transfer pricing updates on Europe, Asia and America
This article identifies the different types of documentation requirements in three macro-areas (i.e., Pan Europe, Asia-Pacific and America) and it explains the thresholds used for the different taxpayers’ obligations. In addition, it provides an overview of the administrative penalties imposed. The countries analysed in the article are the following: Pan European: France, Germany, Hungary, the […]
Updated OECD guidance on the impact of Covid-19 for cross border workers
In April 2020 the OECD issued guidance on the impact of Covid-19 on double taxation agreements (DTA) and their application to cross border workers. In January 2021 they updated this guidance. This guidance is necessary as some cross-border workers have been stranded in a country that is not their normal residence, and double taxation could arise without applying a practical approach to the […]
The new great debate: minimum global corporate income tax?
The new U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen, has garnered this week’s tax spotlight with her support and request for the world to support a minimum global corporate income tax. This would apply to the largest and most profitable businesses (numbering around 100), with the suggestion that the minimum rate to be applied to be […]
Why Czech Republic’s tax system is attractive for expatriate employees?
Tax reform continues to come in waves across the globe. One common theme of many reforms is tax breaks for low to mid wage earners and surprising tax hikes for high wage earners. This trend seems to be consistent with the latest out of the Czech Republic. New changes to the Czech tax law effective […]
How to attract private capital to fund the new American Jobs Plan?
On March 31, 2021, the Biden administration released The American Jobs Plan, which detailed, among other critical items, the need for infrastructure improvements to enhance America’s competitiveness and to create well-paid American jobs. For this to be successful in attracting needed private capital, the existing regulations concerning Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) and Foreign Investment in […]
Impact of Covid-19 on personal income tax and permanent establishments in Singapore (Part 2)
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruptions across multiple countries and economies in the world. In addition to adversely affecting the world economy, the restrictions placed on travel could have personal income tax implications for individuals and permanent establishment risks for businesses. This article provides an insight into the tax considerations in respect of the current crises with focus on the Singaporean personal income tax regime and the possible creation of permanent establishment risk. Permanent Establishment considerations […]
Impact of Covid-19 on personal income tax and permanent establishments in Singapore (Part 1)
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruptions across multiple countries and economies in the world. In addition to adversely affecting the world economy, the restrictions placed on travel could have personal income tax implications for individuals and permanent establishment risks for businesses. This article provides an insight into the tax considerations in respect of the current crises with a focus on the Singaporean personal income tax regime and the possible creation of permanent establishment risk. Taxation […]
Tax reclaim opportunities regarding withholding taxes in Germany
As a result of a number of recent cases there are tax reclaim opportunities for non-German investors in German companies that have suffered withholding taxes (WHT), subject to meeting certain conditions. Points to consider A complete or partial WHT relief may now be possible: i) where there is no Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) in place […]
Governmental proposal for redraft of German “Anti-Treaty Shopping Provision”
Background On January 20, 2021, the German government published a draft law for the Gesetz zur Modernisierung der Entlastung von Abzugsteuern undder Bescheinigung der Kapitalertragsteuer (Act for modernization of the relief of withholding taxes and the certification of capital gains tax, AbzStEntModG). Among other things, this draft contains a new wording proposal of the so-called “Anti-Treaty Shopping” provision in Sec. 50d (3) German Income Tax Act (ITA), in order to comply with European law requirements. Sec. 50d (3) […]
Transfer Pricing: Is Africa ready for advance pricing agreements?
Advance pricing agreements (“APAs”) could provide taxpayers and revenue authorities with some certainty during the unprecedented times that we are living in. The African APA landscape is however underdeveloped, but some recent developments in South Africa (“SA”) indicate that this may be changing. On 18 December 2020, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and […]
New German tax developments regarding intellectual property (IP)
Decree of the Federal Ministry of Finance dated 11 February 2021 – Remuneration of the temporary transfer and the disposal of rights which are entered in a German public register. Further information on German tax developments relating to intellectual property (IP) registered in Germany has been released by the German Authorities. This helps to clarify how the German taxing right can apply to non-German users or vendors of this IP. This […]
Covid-19 and the impact on taxation of individuals and permanent establishments in Nigeria
world. In addition to adversely affecting the world economy, the restrictions placed on travel could have personal income tax implications for individuals and permanent establishment risks for businesses.
DAC 6 developments, deadlines, and the question of legal privilege
While the first reporting deadlines for most EU members expired on 31 January 2021 and respectively 28 February 2021, there are still questions outstanding about whether intermediaries are obliged to report arrangements to tax authorities, or if they can use the right to waiver due to professional privilege. In 2020, countries across Europe implemented into […]
Changes to interest deduction limitation rules
The EU Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), contains five legally binding anti-abuse measures, which all EU member states are required to apply against common forms of aggressive tax planning. The Directive includes an exit tax, a general anti-abuse rule, controlled foreign company rules, measures to tackle hybrid mismatch arrangements, in addition to an interest limitation rule. We […]
EU-UK social security protocol and its implications
On 24 December 2020, a draft protocol on social security co-ordination for EU-UK cross border working arrangements that start from 1 January 2021 was published. The draft protocol contained an article covering detached workers, i.e. employees who normally work in one EU member state/the UK who are sent to work in the UK/an EU member […]
Corporate income tax reform: tax loss relief limited to 50% of annual profits
The Dutch government has provided further details concerning a potential reform of the tax loss relief rules in the corporate income tax regime. The proposed amendment will mean that losses can be set off indefinitely from 1 January 2022, but the number of losses that can be set off will be capped. The government had […]
Africa is gearing up to fight base erosion and profit shifting
The African continent boasts a beautiful and diverse array of countries offering a wide range of valuable natural and human resources to the world economy. The past decade has seen significant foreign investments in African jurisdictions, ranging from massive investments in Mozambique’s gas reserves to tech companies capitalising on the technical excellence offered by software […]
OECD recommendations on comparability analysis during Covid-19 (Part 2)
Covid-19 has brought unprecedented social and economic challenges that will durably impact the world economy. Specifically, the pandemic has surrounded the Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) with many issues to be managed such as: insufficient cash flows, unpredictable profitability, unreliable third-party data (which is at the heart of arm’s length principle), non-operative supply chains, import/export limitations, possible […]
OECD recommendations on comparability analysis during Covid-19 (Part 1)
Covid-19 has brought unprecedented social and economic challenges that will durably impact the world economy. Specifically, the pandemic has surrounded the Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) with many issues to be managed such as: insufficient cash flows, unpredictable profitability, unreliable third-party data (which is at the heart of arm’s length principle), non-operative supply chains, import/export limitations, possible […]
Developments in transfer pricing documentation
(Updated 30 March 2021) Recent developments in transfer pricing documentation requirements should prompt MNCs to reassess management of cross border tax compliance. With a focus on protecting tax revenues in straightened economic times, many jurisdictions are focussing on transfer pricing compliance and raising awareness of documentation requirements and penalties for non-compliance. This indicates the groundwork […]
Shining the spotlight on more rigorous Transfer Pricing behaviour
While 2020 is a year we may all wish to forget, changes made during the year on Transfer Pricing (TP) give us some clues as to the primary drivers of TP behaviour in 2021. These clues include US guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on TP documentation, highlighting the penalty risks; OECD work and […]
Mazars provides comments on the OECD proposals for taxation of the digitalized economy
Mazars has submitted comments in response to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) public consultation on its proposal for taxation of the digitalized economy, released last October. The proposals The OECD project refers to challenges associated with, and proposals to address, the taxation of the digitalized economy. It includes proposals for reforming international […]
Transfer pricing guidelines on financial transactions – have captives been caught?
In February of this year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released guidance for multinational enterprises (MNE’s) and tax authorities, on applying the arm’s-length standard to controlled financial transactions. The guidance, which the OECD plans to include in the next publication of the Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations (OECD TPG), […]
Remote Worker – “necessity” or “choice”?
During the first wave of Covid-19 back in the spring of 2020, many employers found themselves dealing with the issue of “remote workers” in significant volumes, for the first time. When “working from home”, means working from home in another part of the city or the country then the issues are more likely to be […]
OECD guidance about the transfer pricing implications of the Covid-19 pandemic
The OECD released its guidance on the transfer pricing implications of the Covid-19 pandemic on 18 December 2020. This guidance was eagerly awaited by many MNEs whose statutory accounts will be closed by the end of the year, and which need to adjust their 2020 transfer pricing policies to reflect the financial impact of the […]
The UK fiscal environment for international business following Brexit
Following the UK’s spending review statement of 25 November, there is now greater clarity on how the UK economy will be taken forward into 2021 following the Covid-19 pandemic and exit from Brexit transition. Despite incurring record UK government borrowing this year of around £395bn, the significant further borrowing to fund investment during the recovery […]
French landmark decision fighting against “commissionaire” arrangements in the digital economy
After the French government enacted a 3% digital services tax on gross income, it is now the French Administrative Supreme Court which rendered a landmark decision for international groups providing digital services in France by strongly extending the definition of permanent establishment in the presence of commissionaires. This new case law remains also relevant for […]
South Africa and others: broadening the tax base by clamping down on “white collar schemes”
Near-term objective of the South African Revenue Service confirmed: “Remaining focused on international taxes, particularly aggressive tax planning using transfer pricing.” The South African (“SA”) economy, like many others, has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent speech by the country’s Finance Minister painted a dire picture of a country that is, in […]
Welcome (bienvenidos, willkommen, karibu, bienvenue) to a world of tax incentives
The pandemic has led to many people choosing to relocate. Many are leaving densely populated cities to work remotely to where they feel are more desirable locations for themselves and family. Others are holding steadfast to their crowded city dwellings. Either way, geographies are challenged to retain (or welcome) existing residents and newcomers. Many are […]
DAC6 tightens the reigns on M&A deals across the globe
EU Directive 2018/822 or DAC 6 (acronym of “Directive on Administrative cooperation”) is in the minds of many European tax practitioners. In this article we will set out its importance for the European M&A market. Beyond this mysterious acronym, the European Union is pursuing its efforts to prevent tax fraud and tax evasion (and thus create legal and business ” fairness […]
The new year brings new social security challenges post- Brexit
What is the issue? With Brexit talks still ongoing, employers should be planning for the impact of a hard Brexit on social security coverage and benefit provision for their employees who travel between the UK and EU (including EEA & EFTA countries and Switzerland) for work. HMRC’s October employer bulletin provided a welcome update on […]
The impact of Covid-19 on transfer pricing
The Covid-19 pandemic has far-reaching consequences, and will have serious implications on transfer pricing for many multinational enterprises (“MNEs”). This is particularly challenging for businesses to manage due to the current lack of guidance from the OECD. With this guide, we review the impact of Covid-19 on: • Transfer pricing treatment of government aid • […]
ICAP 2.0 – A solution to aggressive tax audits for MNEs during Covid-19
Governments damaged by the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to be taking a more aggressive approach in tax field audits on multinational enterprises (MNEs), at least until after their respective economy is on its way to recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. The OECD launched a pilot of the International Compliance Assurance Programme (ICAP) on […]
The future of joint tax audits beyond Covid-19
The current restrictions imposed by multiple countries to combat the Covid-19 pandemic have limited the possibilities for conducting external tax audits. However, the current pandemic and its consequences for the world economy highlight again that the number of internationally active companies is increasing. This has a significant impact on the future of tax audits. Coordinated […]